After yesterday’s update to the Pokémon GO app (you know, the one that brought us grass), beta testers are beginning to see what we would label as a major update for the in-game Pokémon tracking system. Revealed last night by multiple testers of the game on Twitter and reddit, Niantic has been hearing our cries. Not […]

After yesterday’s update to the Pokémon GO app (you know, the one that brought us grass), beta testers are beginning to see what we would label as a major update for the in-game Pokémon tracking system.

Revealed last night by multiple testers of the game on Twitter and reddit, Niantic has been hearing our cries. Not only does the company intend on bringing a solid tracking system back into the game, but is making it easier to find select Pokémon you have around you in general.

When and if this update rolls out for all, here’s how the new system works.

Down in your Nearby section, you will see Pokémon at Pokéstops by your location. The photos listed in the Nearby section represent the corresponding Pokéstop. To catch that Pokémon, simply head to that Pokéstop. Users can click on the Pokémon and the game will indicate which Pokéstop has the creature for you to snag, just in case you aren’t familiar with the picture provided for that Stop.

Before this beta update, the game only detailed how many “foot steps” you were away from a Pokémon. With this update, it becomes extremely easy to nail down the location of the Pokémon you are after.

As stated, this update is currently in beta testing, meaning it has the potential to launch for all players very soon. Of course, once it is live on Google Play, we will be the first to tell you.

]]>http://www.droid-life.com/2016/08/09/pokemon-go-beta-new-tracker-system/feed/33Pokémon GO SDCC Panel: Game is Only 10% of Final Product, More Features on the Wayhttp://www.droid-life.com/2016/07/25/pokemon-go-sdcc/
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/07/25/pokemon-go-sdcc/#commentsMon, 25 Jul 2016 17:48:45 +0000http://www.droid-life.com/?p=189473

At this year’s SDCC, a lot of attention was paid to the Pokémon GO panel, featuring members of the Niantic Lab’s team. A lot of details were revealed, but most importantly, it should be known that no legendary Pokémon were released for those in attendance to catch. That would have really chapped my hide. According to what […]

At this year’s SDCC, a lot of attention was paid to the Pokémon GO panel, featuring members of the Niantic Lab’s team. A lot of details were revealed, but most importantly, it should be known that no legendary Pokémon were released for those in attendance to catch. That would have really chapped my hide.

According to what was discussed, Pokémon GO is hardly finished, with the developers stating that the game is at about 10% of what they want it to be. Yes, you read that right, only 10%. As for which features we can expect in the future, Niantic wants to bring more Pokémon (as in later generation Pokémon), release legendaries (but only when everyone in the world has access to the game), as well as new functionality for Gyms.

Pokéstops will also be getting updated with added functionality. According to Niantic, players could go around and customize Pokéstops, adding new functions which have not yet been detailed. This would give more reason for players to leave the house and go meet up with other players in the neighborhood.

Intriguingly, Niantic states that the game has a lot of Easter Eggs, too, all of which are currently undiscovered. Get to work, Internet! On top of that, the idea of breeding Pokémon is currently being tossed around, but there is no concrete intel on whether it will ever come.

Oh, and the developers state that they are working on the 3-step glitch that has plagued the game for the past week or so.

So, the major takeaway is that Pokémon GO development is far from over. If you have yet to start playing, don’t worry, we assume you will have at least a couple more years to get in on the action while Niantic continues to improve upon the gaming experience.

Moving forward, we promise to not stupidly SEO spam about Pokémon GO (we’ve been pretty respectful, I think), but the latest news is important for those who have been enjoying the game. For anyone who knows what the old Pokémon cards were all about, trading was a big deal. You get a few good cards, trade them to […]

Moving forward, we promise to not stupidly SEO spam about Pokémon GO (we’ve been pretty respectful, I think), but the latest news is important for those who have been enjoying the game. For anyone who knows what the old Pokémon cards were all about, trading was a big deal. You get a few good cards, trade them to a friend for something better, then that cycle repeats itself until everyone is satisfied with their collection.

Trading is one aspect that Pokémon GO launched without, and for fans of the franchise, that was a major downside. However, in a recent interview with Niantic’s CEO, John Hanke, trading is indeed coming sometime soon to the game.

While specific details were not made clear on how the trading aspect will work, we have to assume that strangers and friends will be allowed to trade Pokémon with fellow players. Whether there will be built-in mechanics that stop people from getting ripped off in a bad trade, we don’t yet know. I probably fell victim to that a few times back in middle school.

While trading is certainly a step in the right direction, another feature previously mentioned by Hanke, this time reported by the New York Times, states that it is possible “sponsored locations” could also be coming to the game. With this implemented, businesses such as fast-food joints, coffee shops, and other retail establishments could pay to become sponsored locations where a Pokéstop or Gym is located. This in turn would drive real-world traffic to these locations, bringing in money for the businesses.

At this time, there has been no timeframe provided for when trading or sponsored locations will be baked into the game, but once they are, rest assured we will let you know.

On a personal note, I don’t see sponsored locations as a bad thing. If a business wants to pay to have a Pokéstop inside their place, so be it. However, if Niantic grants a business the ability to offer a more uncommon or rare Pokémon, one that you could only capture if at a specific sponsored location, then we will have problems.

]]>http://www.droid-life.com/2016/07/12/pokemon-go-trading-sponsored-locations/feed/80Pokémon GO: Tips and Tricks to Make You the Very Best, Like No One Ever Washttp://www.droid-life.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-tips-and-tricks/
http://www.droid-life.com/2016/07/11/pokemon-go-tips-and-tricks/#commentsMon, 11 Jul 2016 18:41:38 +0000http://www.droid-life.com/?p=188753

Pokémon GO is literally taking over the world. As awful as the launch of the game has been due to countless server issues, no one can seem to stay indoors anymore. Even the White House and the Pentagon are getting in on the action. True to the original Pokémon games, Nintendo and Niantic didn’t explain much about […]

Pokémon GO is literally taking over the world. As awful as the launch of the game has been due to countless server issues, no one can seem to stay indoors anymore. Even the White House and the Pentagon are getting in on the action.

True to the original Pokémon games, Nintendo and Niantic didn’t explain much about the game in terms of “How To,” so to help you level up quickly and find the best Pokémon, let me be your Professor and give you some Pokemon GO tips and tricks while out playing.

Just GO

Seriously, just go for a walk. This is in the game’s name for a reason. The world is nice outside, and I know this time of year can be hot, but just try it. The best way to level up is to catch Pokémon, and the best way to catch Pokémon is to explore the area around you. This is something Nintendo has been trying to do for years through step counters on your 3DS and failed peripherals, but with GO, it’s actually rewarding. The stories about people meeting up while out searching for Caterpies is 100% true, I’ve run into more than a few fellow trainers on my travels so far. There are people in your city right now hunting for these virtual sprites. Go join them!

Lucky Eggs and Leveling

Your trainer level is everything in Pokémon GO. In addition to picking your faction of choice at level 5 (#teamvalor), you’ll naturally start finding stronger Pokémon to capture. The game rewards you with goodies when you level up as well – me turning over to level 12 bagged me 10 Great Balls to use on some Pokémon captures. The best way to power level is to stack your items. If you pop a Lucky Egg, your experience gained is doubled for 30 minutes. After the Lucky egg is activated, turn on a Lure or Incense, catch as many Pokémon as you can, evolve the Pokémon, and power up Pokémon. By doing this, you’ll see your level start to skyrocket. Work smarter out there, trainers.

Here’s How to Track Pokémon

The “nearby” section of the game is one of the least explained, but potentially most rewarding. Here’s how it works. Channel your inner “Who’s That Pokémon?” skills and decipher what Pokémon is near you, and select that Pokémon. Turn your phone so that your character on screen also rotates and if you see a white circle pulse out when you face a certain direction, you’re facing the right way. Head in that direction and you should find the Magmar that you were so desperately seeking.

Training vs. Battling Gyms

Once you hit level 5 and choose a faction, you’ll start the endless war of building and destroying Pokémon gyms. Once you take control of a gym, it starts at level 1. That means it can hold one Pokémon. If the gym is owned by an opposing team, you’re battling for control. If you win, the spot is yours! If you’re on Team Mystic and come across another Mystic-controlled gym, you can train against that gym. If you win, your character gains some XP and the gym levels up. Once it hits level 2, the gym can hold two Pokémon. This makes it harder for opposing trainers to topple your hard work. Gyms can go up to level 6 when you beef them up enough. Gyms are worth the trouble because if you have a Pokémon in a gym, you will get in-game currency to spend, depending on how many gyms you have Pokémon in. You’ll find that under the “Store” tab in the top right.

Pokéstops Refresh Every 5 Minutes

Hit them up as much as you can. You’ll start running out of Pokéballs soon enough, trust me. Not only will you be provided Pokéballs, but Stops also provide berries for luring, potions, and more. Become familiar with the Stops around you, then if possible, adjust your routine or commute to hit up as many as possible along the way to your final destination.

Here’s How to Spin the Pokéball

Cool trainers know how to catch their Pokémon with style. When you’re throwing your Pokéball, hold down and spin it around in a circle to give it some english. But, be warned: this gives it a curve once you let go. You’ll need to compensate the arc of your throw to make sure you hit your intended target. While curving the ball does add difficulty, the game rewards you with extra “Curveball” bonus XP.

Leveling Up vs. Evolving

The debate has raged since Pokémon GO’s launch – Should I power up Pokémon before evolving, or wait until after? Early research shows that there isn’t much of a difference. As I said before, trainer level dictates more than existing Pokémon level. If you eventually get enough Pidgey candy to level up your little bird, your high trainer level will bring him into line with the Combat Power where your level is at. However, make important note that the higher your character’s level, the stronger Pokémon you will encounter in the wild. Pro Tip – always and only evolve your strongest Pokémon, making them more difficult for enemies to defeat in your Gym.

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs

Hitting up Pokéstops will sometimes drop you Pokémon eggs. The Pokémon lore says that all of these pocket monsters hatch from eggs, but you actually have to hatch them. When you get an egg, they come in 2km, 5km, and 10km varieties. The different eggs require you to walk those distances before the Pokémon eventually hatches. Make note, cheaters – Driving does not count for incubation steps! These eggs first have to be placed in an incubator before your steps start counting. Go to your collection of Pokémon, then swipe to the right to see your eggs. Click on an egg and select “Start Incubation” to get going. Extra incubators for speeding up your hatching process can be purchased with the gold coins, and you can also earn incubators by leveling up your character. Typically, hatched Pokémon are stronger than ones you find in the wild. You also get a few candies for that Pokémon by successfully hatching their egg, making the candy-collecting evolution process a bit quicker! The egg spawns are also somewhat random, but the internet has a head start on identifying which Pokémon come from which eggs.

Bring a Battery Pack

Riding around a bikeshare (riding a bike will hatch your eggs, but driving does not) in downtown the other night, the little portable battery I forgot I had came in handy big time. Keeping the screen on, GPS running, and the Pokémon GO app running can be pretty taxing, but the extra battery kept my phone running for almost an extra hour after I thought it would have died. Again, be smart out there trainers.

Try and Act Normal

Listen, I want that Porygon as much as you do, but don’t go climbing into people’s yards and restricted areas going after Pokémon. Frankly, I’m surprised how widely accepted this game has been by the mainstream public, but let’s not ruin that by becoming creepers wandering around places we aren’t supposed to be. If it’s after dark, be aware that someone standing outside a house will look a little more questionable than it does during the day.

Be Safe

The night is dark and full of terrors (Ghastlies). There are already multiple stories about people getting in car accidents, being robbed, and even finding dead bodies during their Pokémon GO adventures. Just be aware of your surroundings while you are out there. Travel with groups of known friends, or new friends that you find while you are out. Oh, and one last thing, do NOT Pokémon GO and drive. Seriously, people.

Do NOT Pokémon GO and Drive.

Follow these tips and tricks and you will be on your way to Pokémon master in no time. If you think we missed an awesome tip, please leave it below and we will gladly add it to the post for everyone to notice. Now, go out there and catch ’em all.

Last year in September, it was announced that Pokémon GO was an actual thing. Made by Niantic Labs, the minds behind the hit-game Ingress, Pokémon GO would deliver that same type of Ingress adventure players grew to love, but with familiar Pokémon characters that we knew as children. You see, Pokémon GO is essentially every Pokémon fan’s fantasy – you go […]

Last year in September, it was announced that Pokémon GO was an actual thing. Made by Niantic Labs, the minds behind the hit-game Ingress, Pokémon GO would deliver that same type of Ingress adventure players grew to love, but with familiar Pokémon characters that we knew as children. You see, Pokémon GO is essentially every Pokémon fan’s fantasy – you go out into the real world, capture Pokémon, evolve them, and then battle them at your local Gym. For anyone who grew up playing or trading Pokémon cards, Pokémon GO is basically a dream come true. The only problem is, now that the game has launched for Android and iOS, we can safely say that this game totally sucks ass.

I must say, I am surprised to be saying this. As I recall, Ingress never got off to such a buggy start, so I had high expectations that Niantic, Nintendo, and whoever else had a hand in development would see to it that Pokémon GO’s launch was nothing but a success. If you are not familiar with the troubles I am referencing right now, take a good long look at the header image used on this post. If you have attempted to play Pokémon GO, you have probably seen it a hundred times by now.

More times than not, when attempting to log into the game to play, it states that the servers are experiencing issues. Okay, I can understand that. It’s a very popular game that just launched, so there’s probably server issues. That happens, even to the biggest of companies. However, the issues stem way past that of mere server interruptions. When you do get to log into the game and play, it can sometimes be interrupted by a complete freeze, forcing you to close down the application. You know what happens when you attempt to log back in after a freeze? You guessed it, “our servers are experiencing issues.”

From my experience after attempting to play for the past day, the Pokémon GO application is so filled with bugs that I am beginning to think whoever Niantic and Nintendo had beta test this were not doing their jobs. How could this steaming pile of Pokécode launch to the masses? It’s nowhere near ready, at least on Android. I have heard from multiple people that the iOS version runs much more smoothly, which shouldn’t surprise anybody, but I refuse to use an iPhone just so I can play Pokémon GO and a bit of Tiny Wings.

Were the field testers not reporting the countless bugs that even I found in the first two hours of playing? Were they not discussing how the game features absolutely no useful guide on what exactly to do to get started? Am I seriously supposed to be plopped into this Pokéworld and just understand exactly how to use the different items? What about hatching eggs, what the heck is that all about? You are telling me that no one brought up to the developers that there is no way to exit the game except for hitting the home button? How about whenever I go change the game settings, they never save once I restart the app? Seriously, folks, I could go on all day. It’s a total mess.

Niantic, what happened here? Was there pressure from Nintendo or other sources to launch on a specific timeframe? Were you just not able to crush all of the bugs and plan on releasing an update soon to address these issues? After all of the hype this title received, plus the fact that you have in-app purchases priced at $99, your users deserve answers.

I know I sound like an absolute nerd complaining about a Pokémon game, but I was really hyped about this title. I want to love it and I want to play it. If no one else will be addressing these issues, I sure as hell will.

Pokémon GO, the highly anticipated augmented reality game from Niantic Labs, is reported to launch this summer, but beta gameplay footage has made its way online ahead of schedule. In this 8-minute long video, we see a beginning trainer capture his first Pokémon, battle them, and how a player interacts with the world around him to […]

Pokémon GO, the highly anticipated augmented reality game from Niantic Labs, is reported to launch this summer, but beta gameplay footage has made its way online ahead of schedule. In this 8-minute long video, we see a beginning trainer capture his first Pokémon, battle them, and how a player interacts with the world around him to find new Pokémon.

As you will notice, a player can choose to utilize their smartphone’s camera to see a Pokémon creature on a real-life backdrop or can use the app’s built-in landscape. The gameplay does not change, regardless of which option you prefer. Using your phone’s camera will likely drain just a bit more juice than if you choose not to.

From what I can see, Niantic has stuck with the original lineup of Pokémon characters, leaving out the endless amount of expansion creatures. As someone who grew up collecting and trading the original series of cards, that excites me.

Rest assured that once we have official release date for Pokémon GO from Niantic, we will inform you.

We are still a ways from launch, but Niantic Labs, best known for Ingress, gave us our first early look at Pokémon GO this morning. Played the same way Ingress is, which has you walking all over town, Pokémon GO allows players to explore the world around them in search for new Pokémon. To discover your Pokémon, you […]

We are still a ways from launch, but Niantic Labs, best known for Ingress, gave us our first early look at Pokémon GO this morning. Played the same way Ingress is, which has you walking all over town, Pokémon GO allows players to explore the world around them in search for new Pokémon.

To discover your Pokémon, you may need to visit their natural habitats. For example, to collect a water type, you may need to visit your local lake, river, or pond. As you walk around, previously acquired Pokémon eggs will hatch, leading to the potential of new Pokémon in your arsenal. In addition, dedicated PokéStops are where you can acquire Poké Balls and eggs. But, what would a Pokémon game be without battles?

In the game, players will be encouraged to join one of three teams in order to compete over the ownership and prestige of Gyms. They will do this by placing their captured Pokémon in a friendly Gym or by battling with an opponent’s Pokémon in another team’s Gym. Gyms, exactly like PokéStops, are also found at real world locations.

Niantic states that the first field tests of this game will soon occur in Japan, but gave no word on when we can expect a complete US launch.

While Ingress never quite intrigued me, I could see myself strolling around my neighborhood in search of Pokémon. How about you?

]]>http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/24/niantic-labs-pokemon-go/feed/19Pokémon GO, Developed by Niantic Labs and Nintendo, Set to Launch in 2016http://www.droid-life.com/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-announcement/
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/09/10/pokemon-go-announcement/#commentsThu, 10 Sep 2015 16:00:48 +0000http://www.droid-life.com/?p=174062

Announced this morning, possibly the largest mobile gaming announcement in Android and iOS history, Niantic Labs (now independent from Google) is teaming up with the Pokémon Company and Nintendo to create Pokémon GO. Think Ingress, but instead of capturing portals and being super nerdy, you are going outside and catching Pokémon, then battling them against fellow […]

Announced this morning, possibly the largest mobile gaming announcement in Android and iOS history, Niantic Labs (now independent from Google) is teaming up with the Pokémon Company and Nintendo to create Pokémon GO. Think Ingress, but instead of capturing portals and being super nerdy, you are going outside and catching Pokémon, then battling them against fellow players.

To play, you simply open up your Pokémon GO application and hunt Pokémon in your area. Using Pokéballs, you capture the creatures, and can then trade them and battle them with anyone in the area. Much like Ingress, the game relies on people actually doing a bit of work running around and doing things outside.

Sadly, the game won’t launch for iOS or Android until 2016, so we have a ways to go. However, it is stated in the press release that the game will be completely free to play.

Below, view the greatest trailer for anything Pokémon related ever, ever. My favorite part is when Mewtwo just starts beating the sh*t out of everyone’s pet Pokémon, but then, of course, they win in the end. So flippin’ adorable.

As soon as this game hits Google Play (in 2016), we will let you know, and then I will see you out in the streets collecting Pokémon.

Pokémon GO Allows Players to Catch ‘em All in the Real World

Pokémon, Niantic, and Nintendo Collaborating on New Mobile Pokémon Game Slated for Launch in 2016

TOKYO, JAPAN—September 10, 2015—The Pokémon Company, Niantic, Inc., and Nintendo Co., Ltd. today announced their collaboration on a new project for mobile devices called Pokémon GO. This ground breaking mobile game will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon. Pokémon GO will be available for download at no charge on the App Store and Google Play in 2016.

In the past, the Pokémon video game series has used real world locations like the Hokkaido and Kanto regions of Japan, as well as New York and Paris, as inspiration for its fantasy settings. In Pokémon GO, players will be able to catch, trade, and battle in the real world by utilizing location information. Pokémon GO’s gameplay experience goes beyond what appears on screen as players explore their neighborhoods, communities and the world they live in to discover Pokémon alongside friends and other players. Junichi Masuda, game director of the Pokémon video game series at GAME FREAK inc. will be contributing to the project. His involvement will ensure that the fun of Pokémon makes its way into Pokémon GO, while developing new types of gameplay and thinking of ways to connect this project with the main series of Pokémon video games. In-app purchases will be available in Pokémon GO.

“Our challenge was to develop a great game for smart phone devices that expressed the core values of Pokémon,” said Tsunekazu Ishihara, president and CEO of The Pokémon Company. “Pokémon GO is the answer to that challenge.”

“Pokémon GO is a wonderful combination of Niantic’s real world gaming platform and one of the most beloved franchises in popular culture,” said John Hanke, founder and CEO of Niantic, Inc. “Our partnership with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo is an exciting step forward in real-world gaming and using technology to help players discover the world and people around them.”

Players will be able to enhance their Pokémon GO experience even when they are looking away from their smartphones by using a unique device called Pokémon GO Plus. By pressing a button on Pokémon GO Plus, simple in-game actions like catching a Pokémon can be performed. Developed and manufactured by Nintendo Co., Ltd., Pokémon GO Plus will connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and by flashing and vibrating, will notify players about events like the appearance of a Pokémon nearby.

Pokémon GO is being developed by Niantic, Inc. Originally founded by Google Earth co-creator John Hanke as a start-up within Google, Niantic is known for creating Ingress, the augmented reality mobile game which utilizes GPS technology to fuel a sci-fi story encompassing the entire world. Ingress currently has 12 million downloads worldwide.

Niantic Lab’s Field Trip app is the latest Google creation to sport Material Design, as well as bring new features for those who use the app on a frequent basis. While the update to Material Design is hot enough, Field Trip now provides an easier way to discover awesome happenings around you. With a built-in […]

Niantic Lab’s Field Trip app is the latest Google creation to sport Material Design, as well as bring new features for those who use the app on a frequent basis. While the update to Material Design is hot enough, Field Trip now provides an easier way to discover awesome happenings around you.

With a built-in map, cool things are shown near you, allowing for easier discovery from hundreds of publishers. Not only is the app’s offering section enhanced, but performance tweaks have also been implied to allow for a smoother user experience.

Check out the changelog below, then if you fancy yourself a Field Trip, grab the updated app below.

This afternoon, Google’s Niantic Labs announced two new gameplay features for players of Ingress, Ancient Artifacts and a Shaper Glyph Puzzle Mechanic. Apparently the game has become a big deal since its exit of being a beta, but please forgive me as I currently know hardly anything about the game. As for the new features, […]

This afternoon, Google’s Niantic Labs announced two new gameplay features for players of Ingress, Ancient Artifacts and a Shaper Glyph Puzzle Mechanic. Apparently the game has become a big deal since its exit of being a beta, but please forgive me as I currently know hardly anything about the game.

As for the new features, let’s start off with the artifacts. 17 artifacts will appear across “key” cities around the world between today and March 29. Players from both sides, Resistance and Enlightened, must work together to transfer the artifacts across the world and deliver them to a final location in LA, California on March 29.

The new Glyph mini-game allows players to discover secret messages by decoding puzzles based on the Shaper technology in the game during hacks. When you complete a puzzle successfully, you will gain improved portal hacking abilities. These Glyphs are activated by long-pressing the Hack button by Agents.

Here is complete rundown of the new features from Niantic Labs.

New gameplay features

Ancient Artifacts – 17 artifacts will emerge across key cities around the world between now and March 29 at anomaly cities spanning Bangalore, India, Berlin, Germany and Zagreb, Croatia to Nashville, Boulder and Los Angeles. Players on the Resistance and Enlightened factions must work together to capture, transfer the artifacts across the world and deliver the artifacts to the final location in Los Angeles on March 29.

Shaper Glyph Puzzle Mechanic – The new Glyph mini-game will allow players to discover secret messages by decoding a series of puzzles based on the ancient Shaper technology in the game during hacks. Successful attempts to decode the glyphs will give players improved portal hacking abilities. Glyphs can be activated by Agents by long-pressing the HACK button.

Not too long ago, Ingress, which is the brainchild of Niantic Labs, an independent game studio inside of Google, was taken out of beta after what seemed like forever. Now that players are running around opening and closing portals all over the place, it’s time we start talking about Niantic Lab’s next step. Detailed today […]

Not too long ago, Ingress, which is the brainchild of Niantic Labs, an independent game studio inside of Google, was taken out of beta after what seemed like forever. Now that players are running around opening and closing portals all over the place, it’s time we start talking about Niantic Lab’s next step.

Detailed today by CNET, the studio is already well underway with Endgame, a cross-media completely-interactive game which will utilize YouTube videos, e-books novellas, social media, and image search results to get players involved. It actually sounds confusing right off of the bat, which is why I didn’t get too involved with Ingress. Anyways, here is what we know so far.

Endgame, which should launch around Q3 or Q4 of this year, will be paired with a trilogy of novels from author James Frey’s Full Fathom Five production company and publisher HarperCollins. Nils Johnson-Shelton, author of Otherworld Chronicles, is helping to write the stories as well. The stories go beyond just books though, as players will use YouTube videos, social media, image search results, and other medias to help progress them through the experience.

What is even more interesting is the actual ending. Apparently, an unknown amount of real gold is going to be placed in a locked container as a prize for the first of three novels.

To help attract attention, each game attached to its respective novel will come with a big prize. The first book, “Endgame: The Calling,” will offer up in public a display case with a currently unknown quantity of gold in it. Solving the puzzle of the game will offer players a key to unlock the case, with plans to livestream the event on YouTube.

The game should launch around the same time that the books come out, which is scheduled for some time in October.

For anyone still using the Field Trip app from Google’s Niantic Labs, you can grab the newest update to hit Google Play. Field Trip is an app that uses your current location to show you points of interest in a very in-depth and creative way. Think of it as Google Now, but much more detailed […]

For anyone still using the Field Trip app from Google’s Niantic Labs, you can grab the newest update to hit Google Play. Field Trip is an app that uses your current location to show you points of interest in a very in-depth and creative way. Think of it as Google Now, but much more detailed in terms of information about any given place it lists.

The app looks to have been completely polished up, and from the time we’ve spent with it, we think they did a great job. Other than the overall look, they also added in the ability to select key interests you like, that way the app shows you only relevant places and information.

If you have never tried the app, go give it a shot.

What’s New

Preview publisher content and get a glimpse of what each publisher offers.

Access the nearby, recent, favorite, and map tabs via the new bottom bar.

Swipe cards up or down to browse to the next or previous card.

Important settings are simplified and easily accessible in the left drawer.

]]>http://www.droid-life.com/2013/12/03/google-launches-redesigned-field-trip-app-to-google-play/feed/23Niantic Project’s Ingress No Longer a Closed Beta, Playable for Allhttp://www.droid-life.com/2013/10/31/niantic-projects-ingress-no-longer-a-closed-beta-playable-for-all/
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/10/31/niantic-projects-ingress-no-longer-a-closed-beta-playable-for-all/#commentsThu, 31 Oct 2013 17:03:57 +0000http://www.droid-life.com/?p=123463Ever since its release, Ingress has been in a closed beta stage that allowed only people with invites to partake in the game. As of now, the developers have lifted that restriction, and anyone can start playing the game which is downloadable right from Google Play. It still has a healthy community of players, who […]

Ever since its release, Ingress has been in a closed beta stage that allowed only people with invites to partake in the game. As of now, the developers have lifted that restriction, and anyone can start playing the game which is downloadable right from Google Play. It still has a healthy community of players, who continue to find and destroy other-worldly portals across the globe.

]]>http://www.droid-life.com/2013/10/31/niantic-projects-ingress-no-longer-a-closed-beta-playable-for-all/feed/27Ingress Receives Update to 1.26, Brings Added Notifications and Portal Infohttp://www.droid-life.com/2013/05/21/ingress-receives-update-to-1-26-brings-added-notifications-and-portal-info/
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/05/21/ingress-receives-update-to-1-26-brings-added-notifications-and-portal-info/#commentsTue, 21 May 2013 20:58:41 +0000http://www.droid-life.com/?p=108929This afternoon, Google and the team at Niantic Labs pushed out a major update for their hit game, Ingress. Inside the update, version number 1.26, information on portal health and faction controls are placed in the inventory carousel, as well the much-needed addition of notifications for portal attacks, neutralization and @codename messages. If you still have yet […]

This afternoon, Google and the team at Niantic Labs pushed out a major update for their hit game, Ingress. Inside the update, version number 1.26, information on portal health and faction controls are placed in the inventory carousel, as well the much-needed addition of notifications for portal attacks, neutralization and @codename messages.

If you still have yet to try out Ingress, make sure to head to their forums and request as it is still a closed beta application.

What’s New:

Portal health and faction control info on Portal Keys in the Inventory carousel.

]]>http://www.droid-life.com/2013/05/21/ingress-receives-update-to-1-26-brings-added-notifications-and-portal-info/feed/20Google’s Niantic Labs Launches Ingress, An Open World Sci-Fi Thriller Gamehttp://www.droid-life.com/2012/11/15/googles-niantic-labs-launches-ingress-an-open-world-sci-fi-thriller-game/
http://www.droid-life.com/2012/11/15/googles-niantic-labs-launches-ingress-an-open-world-sci-fi-thriller-game/#commentsThu, 15 Nov 2012 17:10:13 +0000http://www.droid-life.com/?p=89372This morning, Ingress, the newest application from Google and Niantic Labs, went live in Google Play. The game is being met with very high praises and they do seem to be justified. It is an open-world game, revolving around certain areas that produce a mysterious energy that could threaten humanity as we know it. There […]

This morning, Ingress, the newest application from Google and Niantic Labs, went live in Google Play. The game is being met with very high praises and they do seem to be justified. It is an open-world game, revolving around certain areas that produce a mysterious energy that could threaten humanity as we know it. There are two sides to join – the Resistance and the Enlightened. The resistance struggle to defend against the mind-controlling energy to protect humanity and the Enlightened who seek to embrace it.

From the trailer and look of the app, Google spared no expense in its creation. Unfortunately, it is only in closed beta at the moment, but you can go request an invite down below. No telling how long it will take to be accepted though. Watch the trailer and let us know if you can get into a game like this.